The father of Gökhan Ertan, one of two pilots of a recently downed Turkish jet, has said he does not want Turkey to go to war with Syria over the tragic loss of his son last week.

World Bulletin / News Desk

The father of Gökhan Ertan, one of two pilots of a recently downed Turkish jet, has said he does not want Turkey to go to war with Syria over the tragic loss of his son last week.

Speaking to Samanyolu Haber from his home in Malatya province, Ali Ertan said: “Our country is not a country that will go to war for a pilot or for a fighter jet. It wouldn't be appropriate anyway. My son could be dead, but what matters is that he served his country. I am a devout believer; I do not believe that my son or other martyrs are dead. They are alive and among us.”

Osman Aksoy, the father of the other pilot of the downed jet, has said his family is still hopeful that their son will return home. Speaking to the press from their home in İstanbul's Bagcılar district on Monday, Aksoy said he is following developments on television and has criticized Syria, saying Turkish pilots frequently carry out such training missions.

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